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London

Crown Jewels safe after Tower of London security breach

AP
A military craft patrols the Thames River as it passes by the Tower of London before the Opening Ceremonies at 2012 London Olympic games.
  • Someone stole keys to the famed Tower of London
  • Police say the Crown Jewels and other artifacts are safe
  • An investigation is underway and the locks have been changed

LONDON (AP) — A rare security breach has been reported at the Tower of London, one of the British capital's most famous landmarks.

Authorities say the Crown Jewels and other unique artifacts are safe but that locks had to be changed after an intruder broke in and stole some keys.

Officials said Monday the keys were stolen from a sentry box at the site. They would have provided access to the Tower's drawbridges and some other areas.

Authorities say the keys were stolen last Tuesday and a police investigation into the theft is under way.

A Historic Royal Palaces statement said security procedures had not been properly followed.

The Tower is guarded by Yeoman Warders, commonly known as Beefeaters.

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